Autumn Hardey and Evan Yoder stand on stage at the Emporia State University Fall Counseling Conference. Yoder received an award for outstanding principal from the Kansas School Counselor Association. Hardey nominated him.

Evan Yoder, principal at Hillsboro Elementary School, was recently honored at the Emporia State University Fall Counseling Conference. The conference is held by the Kansas School Counselor Association.

In addition to school counselor awards, the organization has a KSCA Principal Advocate Award that was awarded to only three principals in the state of Kansas. HES school counselor Autumn Hardey nominated him for the award.

“I’ve never seen a person that cares so much about each individual student and their families. He knows every name and face that walks through those front doors, and if he doesn’t then he makes it a point to know them by the end of the week. He never misses an opportunity to connect with a student.” said Hardey. “I am truly fortunate to be able to work alongside and learn from a principal like Mr. Yoder. He never ceases to build confidence in our students, our staff, or myself. I don’t even think he knows that he does it, it comes so naturally for him.”

The award itself recognizes the important partnership of school counselors and school administrators in providing services to Kansas schools.

“I’m thankful that he entertains all my crazy ideas, that he’s allowed me to change and mold the counseling program into my vision but most of all that he treats me as an equal and with respect at all times,” Hardey wrote in her nomination letter.

Yoder is thankful for the nomination and the award.

“I was extremely humbled and honored to be recognized by the Counselor’s Association. Our district’s outstanding reputation for employing amazing people in our counseling position has continued with Mrs. Hardey,” said Yoder. “The counselor holds such a critical position in our schools and indeed holds the key to many of our student’s well-being.”